Governor Oborevwori Launches 7th National Youth Games in Delta State

Governor Oborevwori Launches 7th National Youth Games in Delta State.

In a spirited ceremony held this morning at the renowned Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, the capital of Delta State, Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori flagged off the 7th edition of the National Youth Games.

The event witnessed a gathering of enthusiastic young athletes and sports enthusiasts from across the nation.

During the opening ceremony, Governor Oborevwori took the podium and emphasized Delta State’s evolving status as the nation’s sports hub.

He extended his congratulations to the Federal Ministry of Sports Development for their unwavering commitment to organizing the National Youth Games.

He lauded the Games as a potent platform for unearthing budding talents at the grassroots level and establishing a structured pathway for athletes’ progression in the country.

Governor Oborevwori underscored the multifaceted benefits of the National Youth Games, noting its cost-effectiveness and its role in promoting national unity and advancing the development and peace agendas of both national and sub-national governments.

He highlighted the transformative power of sports, echoing the United Nations’ recognition of sports as a crucial enabler for achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

He cited the words of UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, who emphasized the potential of sports to align collective passion and energy toward a shared cause.

The governor reiterated Delta State’s commitment to supporting national and international sporting events, referencing their successful hosting of the African Senior Athletics Championship in 2018 and the 21st National Sports Festival in November 2022.

The Stephen Keshi Stadium, he proudly declared, has emerged as a preferred venue for national football championships, solidifying Delta’s reputation as Nigeria’s sports capital.

Governor Oborevwori assured participants of a peaceful and exhilarating Games, emphasizing the meticulous arrangements made to facilitate seamless movement throughout the city.

(Sitting from left to right) Sir Monday Onyeme, Deputy Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, Senator John Owan Enoh, Minister of Sports (Nigeria)

He expressed gratitude to the Delta State Sports Commission, the Local Organising Committee, and all those involved in planning and executing the event, acknowledging their dedication and hard work.

He encouraged athletes to seize the moment and use the Games as a platform to elevate themselves to national and international acclaim.

He urged them to uphold the timeless values of discipline, endurance, perseverance, and sportsmanship, challenging them to set new records and elevate Nigerian sports to new heights.

President Bola Tinubu, represented by Honourable Minister of Sports Development Senator John Enoh, officially inaugurated the National Youth Games.

President Tinubu urged athletes to foster friendship and sportsmanship among all participating states, emphasizing the importance of competing with fairness and unity, while always prioritizing the nation’s interests.

Senator John Enoh, during a visit to Governor Oborevwori, expressed his gratitude to Delta State for hosting the Games and highlighted the Games’ mission to discover and nurture young talents aged not more than 15.

He praised the collaborative efforts between the Federal Ministry of Sports Development and states like Delta to support these emerging athletes.

Senator Enoh underscored the Games’ role in promoting national unity and fostering peaceful coexistence among young boys and girls from diverse backgrounds.

The 7th National Youth Games will be held across various venues in the Delta state capital from September 23rd to 30th, 2023, featuring over 5,742 athletes representing all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, competing in 35 different sports.

By Mary Iyasere. Mary Iyasere is a member of ICT Like-Minds for PDP.

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